CITY OF LAREDO

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

M2003-R-15

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

1110 HOUSTON STREET

LAREDO, TEXAS 78040

AUGUST 4, 2003

5:30 P.M.

 

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

            With a quorum present, Mayor Elizabeth G.  Flores called the meeting to order.

II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

            Mayor Elizabeth G.  Flores led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III.       ROLL CALL

 

            In attendance:

 

            Elizabeth G.  Flores,                                                                 Mayor

            Alfredo Agredano,                                                                    Council Member, District I

            John C.  Galo,                                                                          Mayor Pro Tempore, District III

            Johnny Amaya,                                                                         Council Member, District IV

            Eliseo Valdez, Jr.,                                                                     Council Member, District V

            Gene Belmares,                                                                        Council Member, District VI

            Jose A.  Valdez, Jr.,                                                                 Council Member, District VII

            Juan Ramirez,                                                                           Council Member, District VIII

            Gustavo Guevara, Jr.,                                                               City Secretary

            Larry Dovalina,                                                                         City Manager

            Cynthia Collazo,                                                                       Assistant City Manager

            Jaime Flores,                                                                            City Attorney

 

            Motion to excuse Cm. Garcia.

 

            Moved:  Cm. Agredano
            Second:  Cm. E. Valdez, Jr.

            For:    7                                                Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MINUTES

 

            None.

 

V.        COMMUNICATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS

 

Announcements

 

Cm. Agredano stated that there will be one or two ribbon cutting ceremonies later this month in District I.  He mentioned the new Mario Tijerina Park in South Laredo and the other park in the George Washington subdivision. 

 

Mayor Pro Tem Galo reported that he represented the City Council at a basketball camp with Avery Johnson.  He added that the Parks and Recreation Department did a great job and there were over 1,000 children who attended the camp.  He mentioned that Webb County held a convention for commissioners and judges and he was one of the speakers representing the City of Laredo.  He also attended a graduation ceremony for the twenty new police cadets and he thanked their families for supporting the cadets as they begin their new career. 

 

Cm. Amaya thanked the Public Works crew for the great job done in repairing a damaged bridge rail at Clark Boulevard and Tilden Street. 

 

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. stated that he would like to commend the Convention and Visitors Bureau staff for the great job they did in putting together this trip to Lubbock.  He stated that the City of Laredo has a great deal to look forward to in the next four to five years in terms of the pageant events.  He stated that the community needs to come together in the next five years and embrace this event to provide good exposure to the City of Laredo. 

 

Cm. Belmares offered his apologies to the Del Mar Minor League Champs for not being able to attend the recognition on Saturday.  He extended an invitation to the team to come before City Council to receive its recognition for the fantastic job they did.  He also reminded the residents of District VI of a public hearing to be held tomorrow on the waste water treatment plant. 

 

Cm. J. Valdez, Jr. thanked the crew of the Public Works Department for the outstanding job done on the sidewalks repairs on Burnside Avenue.  He also congratulated the Council Members who attended the teen pageant in Lubbock, Texas.  He further congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department for its annual wrap-up event to the summer recreation program held at Father McNaboe Park.  He added that he looks forward to holding this closing event again next year.  He commended J. P. Danny Valdez and everyone involved with the successful school supplies drive held at Veterans Field.

 

Mayor Flores announced that since the last council meeting, she has been attending meetings in El Paso, Lubbock, and Austin that addressed various city government issues.  She stated the agenda for the Austin meeting was to discuss the issue of our local  9-1-1 emergency communication system.  She mentioned that staff works hard to put together agendas for these important meetings as well.  She announced that the final budget has been turned over to the Mayor and the Council Members and they are set to begin with budget hearings on August 25th.  She stated that the City Council invites the public to be present during these workshops.  Should there be some topic of interest to the public at large, she asked that the individual contact his/her respective council member to learn more about the particular issue. 

 

            Invitations

 

            None.

 

            Recognitions

 

            a.  Recognition by the Mayor and City Council Members of City Departments for their

                 contribution and participation in the 2003 American Cancer Society Relay for Life event.

 

                     Dan Migura, Administrative Services Director, reported on the success of the Relay for Life event. 

 

                     Eddie Zavala, R.E.A.C.H. committee member, reported that participation was so great that the City of Laredo employees raised $23,948.22.  He added that the City of Laredo was the City’s top contributing organization for the second year in a row.  Some of the departments received recognition for their hard work:

 

                     Bronze category recipients: 

 

Finance Department                                    -           Outstanding Team Effort

Engineering/Public Works Department        -           $1,252.00 raised

Bridge Department                                     -           $1,547.00 raised

City Manager’s Office                                -           $1,521.33 raised

Community Development                            -           $1,930.28 raised

Traffic Department                                      -           $1,842.00 raised

 

Gold category recipients:

 

Health Department                                      -           $3,569.00

City Secretary/Airport                                -           $3,898.00

 

Diamond category recipients:

 

Parks and Recreation Department               -           $5,525.00

 

Eddie Zavala mentioned that Wal-Mart has donated $1,000.00 to the Parks and Recreation Department for its contribution to the American Cancer Society.

 

The following departments also contributed to and participated in the Relay for Life:

 

El Metro, Administrative Services Department, Bridge Department, City Manager’s Office, City Secretary’s/Airport, Community Development, Public Library, Parks and Recreation, Planning and Zoning Department, Tax Department, Utilities Department, and Traffic (Fleet) Department. 

 

 

      Communiqués

 

Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health Department Director, introduced Mr. Santos Navarrette who will be the new Assistant Health Director.  He will be responsible for program management support which involves planning and training of personnel. 

 

Mayor Flores mentioned that she received a call from Pat Somerall’s office telling her that they have a “Champions of Industry” segment where they select individuals and organizations from the United States whom they believe are doing outstanding jobs in spite of the challenges facing them.  In this case, they were reviewing police departments and our police department made the top five list.  After a long conversation with our police chief, Mr. Somerall called back and stated that the City of Laredo’s police department had been selected as the “Champions of Industry” recipient.  She added that they will be featured on a two-minute broadcast announcement narrated by Mr. Somerall and also one-minute nationally on the Headline News network.

 

            a.  Presentation by Kiki de Ayala, Arena Ventures, regarding master plan for the          

                development of land around the arena, with possible action.

 

  Kiki de Ayala spoke regarding the proposed use for developing the land around the  

  sports arena.  They are proposing a high-end hotel next to the Laredo Entertainment

  Center. He explained that they are trying to make everything flow and make the    

  necessary modifications for an exhibition center.  He explained that they could put a  

  30,000 to 40,000 square foot facility with parking.  He added that they have sites already

  committed for a bank, a hotel, and a car dealership. 

 

VI.       APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES

 

            a.  Appointing Patricia Vela as Lay Representative and Aurora Juarez as alternate Lay  

                 Representative to the South Texas Library System for a two year term (October 2003 through September 30, 2005), in accordance with the Texas State Library and Archives Commission, Rules for Administering the Library Systems Act, Texas Administrative Code, Title 13 Part I, Chapter 1, Section 1.123.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

            b.  Appointment by Council Member Juan Ramirez of Jaime Stewart to the Para Transit           

                 Advisory Committee.

 

                 Motion to approve.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Amaya

                 For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 

VII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS

 

            1.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by increasing revenues and expenditures in the amount of $20,000.00 in additional funds from the Texas Department of Health – Office of Border Health for the Border Health Project of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning July 1, 2003, through September 30, 2003.  These funds were awarded specifically for the “Los Dos Laredos” Binational Health Conference that will be held on September 11-12, 2003. 

 

                 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                 Second:  Cm. Agredano

                 For:    7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                 There was no public input.

 

                 Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                 Moved:  Cm. Amaya

                Second:  Cm. Belmares

                 For:    7                                           Against:  0                                            Abstain: 0

 

                 Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

            2.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending Chapter 30 Taxation, Article II, Hotel Occupancy Tax, Section 30-19; Reports; Payment, for the collection of monthly hotel-motel taxes instead of quarterly taxes, to coincide with the Texas Statutes, Chapter 156, Hotel-Motel Occupancy Tax 156.151, Report and Payment; providing for publication and effective date.

 

      Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                  Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                  For:    7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

 

3.  Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003

Parking Meter Fund budget by appropriating a draw down of $1,000,000.00 from the opening balance and appropriating it for land acquisition.  The project consists of land acquisition and construction of a surface municipal parking lot in the downtown area.  Parking Meter Fund will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a proposed Parking Meter Fund Certificate of Obligation Bond.  (Contingent upon approval of Resolution 2003-R-087)

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Belmares

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

4.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003

 General Fund and Bridge System Fund budgets by transferring $3,500,000.00 from    

 General Fund and appropriating it in the Bridge System Fund.  The amendment will  

 draw down $3,500,000.00 from the General Fund opening balance and appropriate a t

 transfer out of $3,500,000.00 to the Bridge System Fund for the purpose of  

 constructing, improving and necessary land acquisition for the Bridge I Project. 

 General Fund will be reimbursed from the proceeds of a Toll Bridge System Revenue

 Bond.  (Contingent   upon approval of Resolution 2003-R-086)

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

                

 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo 

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

 

5.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance accepting a grant awarded by the Criminal

 Justice Division, Office of the Governor for the amount of $45,058.00 and amending the  

 City of Laredo’s 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $7,942.00 to fund the

 Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal

 Justice Division is contributing $45,058.00 with the City of Laredo designating

 $5,007.00 in matching funds. This funding will be used to pay for the salaries and fringe

 benefits of an Administrative Assistant II position and to purchase the necessary

 equipment to expand information within its current intelligence database for its juvenile

 program. Grant period is from August 1, 2003 through July 31, 2004.  (Contingent upon

 approval of Resolution 2003-R-084)

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Agredano

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Agredano

                  Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

6.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to amend the

 City of Laredo’s 2002-2003 annual budget in the amount of $164,778.00 to fund the  

 Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force. The Office of the Governor, Criminal   

 Justice Division will be designating $1,142,115.00, and the City of Laredo and

 participating agencies will be designating $354,778.00 in matching funds for a total

 amount of $1,496,893.00.  Funding will be used to pay salaries, fringe benefits, direct

 operating expenses, and equipment from July 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004.

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Agredano

                  Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

7.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo 2002-2003

 annual budget to reflect an appropriation for the development of the West Laredo  

 Multimodal Trade Corridor.  The appropriation of $3,250,000.00 comes from the FY

 2002 Federal Transportation Spending Bill.

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Agredano

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

                  Second:  Cm. Agredano

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

8.   Public hearing and introductory ordinance authorizing the City Manager to execute a

 budget amendment appropriating funds from the Federal Transit Administration Grant  

 No. TX 90X575 from FY 2001-2002 in the amount  of $529,620.00 to be used  for

 operating expenses in FY 2002-2003 increasing the Federal contribution from

 $3,613,392.00 to $4,143,012.00 and decreasing the sales tax match for operating

 expenses from $3,682,654.00 to $3,153,034.00 and transferring $529,620.00 into sales

 tax reserve appropriation.

 

 Motion to open the public hearing.

 

                  Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  There was no public input.

 

                  Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

                  Moved:  Cm. Agredano

                  Second:  Cm. Amaya

                  For:    7                                                      Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

                  Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

VIII.    GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            A.   Request by Mayor Pro-Tempore John C. Galo

 

1.   Discussion on the pros and cons of acquiring Camino Columbia Toll Road, with

      possible action.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Galo requested that the City Manager talk with the bondholders or the individuals involved to inquire whether the toll road is for sale and to investigate whether there is any benefit to the City of Laredo in acquiring the road. 

 

      Motion to authorize the City Manager to investigate ownership, whether the project is for sale or not, and what the sale price might be.

 

      Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

      Second:  Cm. Ramirez

      For:    7                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2.   Discussion on the enforcement of taxicab regulations, with possible action.

 

Mayor Pro Tem Galo stated that there were several complaints made to him that the taxicabs do not have meters or air conditioning.  He added that the drivers are charging inconsistent fares to passengers and are not basing the amounts of fares collected from the meter readings.

 

      Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that there is an inspector that enforces the taxicab drivers.  In addition, there is a superintendent’s position that is currently vacant.  He explained the current rates that taxi drivers are required to charge, with a starting fare of $3.50 and a $0.35 charge for every quarter of a mile traveled.  There is an added $1.00 fare for each additional passenger. 

 

      Larry Dovalina, City Manager, mentioned that city staff has initiated a study on the taxicabs and they are trying to determine whether there are too many taxi permits and whether the ordinance may need some changes.  He added that there is some belief among staff that the issued permits are actually being sold by the permit holders.  There is a taxicab consultant that is investigating this concern and a report will be submitted to City Council later this month.

          

            B.   Request by Council Member Juan Ramirez

1.   Discussion with possible action regarding the City’s purchase of heavy service

      truck tires for $1.00 during the City’s tire collection campaign.

 

      Oscar Medina, Public Works Director, reported that the City pays $6.00 per tire to someone to haul those tires off with an average of 400 tires per month.  He added that this is a business and there are two businesses that do purchase these tires and re-circulate them into the system. 

 

      Dr. Hector Gonzalez, Health Director, stated that the department has been in collaboration with Public Works and Environmental Services departments for the last one and one half years to handle special collection of tires.  He added that this project is funded through the Texas Department of Health and the City is only mandated to do residential tires.

 

      Riazul Mia, Environmental Services Director, reported that most of the program is geared for residential tires.  There are truck tires that are coming in from businesses and the City should not be paying for businesses to dispose of tires. 

 

      Oscar Medina, Public Works Director, stated that he recommends that it should be handled through as a business expense being that it is a business issue.  He added that there is nothing in the ordinance that states that the City can pay for tires except through the Health Department’s program.  They need to weigh the pros and cons to determine whether it is worth it to collect and shred these tires.   

 

      Larry Dovalina, City Manager, stated that city staff has been conducting some talks and negotiations with certain individuals who have proposed to set up a tire shredding facility.  The only thing being asked of the City is that they be allowed some space and that the City pay for the electricity generated by their machines.  They are willing to bring in their machines and set up a tire shredding operation in a portion of the landfill that is currently not permitted.

 

      Motion to pay $1.00 a tire for the first 1,000 tires brought in to the landfill. 

 

      Moved:  Cm. Ramirez 

      Second:  Cm. Belmares

      For:    7                                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2.   Status report on street lights at the 100 and 200 blocks of Convent.

 

      Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the crews have checked these lights at night and they are operational.  He stated that there had been a problem with power to the second section but the lights are working at this time. 

 

3.   Request to stripe a right turn lane westbound on Park Street at the intersection of

      San Dario.

         

                              Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that the crews had placed a right- turn lane several years ago which needs to be re-striped, and the crews should have had it done by this time.  What he is looking at is adding a right-turn lane which requires major improvements because of the heavy traffic there.  He is studying the information provided by the Engineering Department and it appears that there is adequate right-of-way.   He will be looking to see what it would cost to go ahead and create a right-turn lane at that intersection. 

 

 

IX.       FINAL READING OF ORDINANCES 

 

Motion to waive the final readings of Ordinances:  #2003-O-168; #2003-O-169; #2003-O- 170; #2003-O-171; #2003-O-172; #2003-O-173; #2003-O-174; #2003-O-175; #2003-O-176; #2003-O-177; #2003-O-178; #2003-O-180; #2003-O-181; #2003-O-183; #2003-O-184; #2003-O-185; #2003-O-186; #2003-L-188; #2003-O-189; #2003-O-190; #2003-O-191; #2003-O-192; #2003-O-193; and #2003-O-194.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya   

            For:    7                                        Against:  0                                        Abstain:  0

                       

2003-O-168  Adding new Chapter 34 to the Code of Ordinances, consisting of Sections 101-109; providing for definitions; setting forth prohibited financial interest of City officers and City employees; providing for forfeiture if there is a conflict of interest as defined herein; providing for voiding of any contract entered into in violation of this ordinance; providing for relationship to Chapter 171 of the Local Government Code; providing for publication; and providing for effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-168.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                           Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-169  Amending Ordinance 2001-O-123 by authorizing the extension of a

 Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for storage incidental to the  

 transportation of used batteries on Lots 1, 2, 6, & 7, Block 12,

 McPherson Acres Subdivision, Unit IV, located at 802 Gale Street;

 providing for publication and effective date. 

 

 Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-169.

 

 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

 Second:  Cm. Amaya

 For:    7                          Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-170  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lot

3, Block 1694, Eastern Division, located at 2801 Clark Boulevard, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-1 (Limited Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-170.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2003-O-171  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the

issuance of a Special Use Permit to Morgan Stern Merchant Bank, Ltd., for an electronic display on Lot 8, Block 24, Western Division, located at 1600 Water Street; providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-171.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-172 Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by authorizing the

issuance of a Special Use Permit to Morgan Stern Merchant Bank, Ltd., for an electronic display on Lot 8, Block 276A, Western Division, located at 1600 Water Street; providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-172.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-173  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 63.17

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located south of Mines Road and east of Deer Creek Mobile Home Park, from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1A (Single Family Reduced Area District); providing for publication and effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-173.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

2003-O-174  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning Lots

2, 4, 6, and 8, Block 532, Western Division, located at 1818 Bruni Street, from R-3 (Mixed Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-174.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                               Against:  0                            Abstain:  0

2003-O-175  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 31.74

 acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,”

 located south of Del Mar Boulevard and west of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single

 Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing

 for publication and effective date.

 

 Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-175.

 

 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

 Second:  Cm. Amaya

 For:    7                                          Against:  0                            Abstain:  0

2003-O-176  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 16.94

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located south of Del Mar Boulevard and west of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-3 (Community Business District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-176.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                           Against:  0                            Abstain:  0

2003-O-177  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 39.23

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located south of Del Mar Boulevard and east of Loop 20, from R-1 (Single Family Residential District) to B-4 (Highway Commercial District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-177.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-178  Amending the Zoning Ordinance Map of the City of Laredo by rezoning 30.30

acres, as further described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibit “A,” located east of International Boulevard and north of Woodridge Drive from AG (Agricultural District) to R-1 (Single Family Residential District); providing for publication and effective date. 

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-178.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-180  Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances, Subsection (a) Section 30-

1 by providing that $30,000.00 of the assessed value of residence homesteads of persons over sixty-five years of age on or before January 1st of any year shall be exempt from City ad valorem taxes, and providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-180.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-181  Authorizing the City Manager to accept and execute the vehicle capital

replacement (VCR) Grant 0301 (22) Contract No. 51322F6002 with the Texas Department of Transportation in the total amount of $620,000.00; consisting of $496,000.00 in Federal funds, matching Transit Sales Tax funds of $124,000.00, and providing for grant/contract funds to be deposited in the City of Laredo Transit Fund account; and amending the Laredo Transit Fund to appropriate $620,000.00 for bus purchases.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-181.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-182  Amending the City of Laredo Code of Ordinances Section 31-2, entitled

“Policies and Procedures for Applicants Requesting Water and Sewer Extensions” by setting new policies and procedures to calculate the pro-rata share for reimbursement based on the line capacity; deleting references to Appendix I, “Calculating Pro-Rata Charges” and moving and amending said calculations to newly created subsection VI; providing for publication and an effective date.  (As amended)

 

Motion to postpone.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-183  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into a contract with United Independent

School District, and amend the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $19,950.00 for the Immunization Program of the City of Laredo Health Department for the period beginning April 1, 2003 through August 31, 2003.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-183.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:  7                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-184  Amending the City of Laredo annual budget by decreasing revenues and

expenditures in the amount of $88,000.00 from the “Mosquito Abatement Project” of the City of Laredo Health Department for a two-year project period, which began September 1, 2001 through August 31, 2003.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-184.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-185  Amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by appropriating

funds in the amount of $70,000.00 from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ-formerly TNRCC) to continue the operation of the two continuous air monitoring stations (CAMS) by the City of Laredo Health Department for the contract period beginning September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-185.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-186  Amending the FY 2002-2003 annual budget in the Fire Prevention and Arson

Fund by accepting a donation of $500.00 from Wal-Mart Stores and appropriating said funds to purchase fire safety educational promotion materials for the Fire Prevention Division.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-186.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-188  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a rental car agency concession and

lease agreement with Coastal Bend Rent a Car, Inc. d/b/a Avis Rent a Car for the approximate 133 square feet of office and counter space located in car rental space #5 and 19 parking spaces located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2003 and ending June 30, 2006.  Monthly rent shall be $4,583.33 or six percent (6%) of gross sales; whichever is greater; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-188.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-189  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a Rental Car Agency concession and

lease agreement with Laredo Car Rental, Inc. (National Car Rental) for the approximate 165 square feet of office and counter spaces located in car rental space #3 and 19 parking spaces located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2006.  Monthly rent shall be $4,650.21 or six percent (6%) percent of gross sales; whichever is greater; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-189.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-190  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a rental car agency concession and

lease agreement with Enterprise Rent A Car Company of Texas, a Texas Corporation for the approximate 171 square feet of office and counter space located in car rental space #1 and 19 parking spaces located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on August 1, 2003 and ending on July 31, 2006.  Monthly rent shall be $5,200.00 or six percent (6%) of gross sales; whichever is greater; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-190.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-191 Authorizing the City Manager to execute a rental car agency concession and

lease agreement with Instant Signs, Inc., d/b/a Budget Rent A Car of Laredo for the approximate 171 square feet of office and counter space located in car rental space #2 and 19 spaces located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop a the Laredo International Airport.  The term of the agreement is for three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2006.  Monthly fee will be $3,510.50 or six percent (6%) of gross sales; whichever is greater; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-191.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-192  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a rental car agency concession and

lease agreement with Southwest-Tex Leasing Company, Inc., d/b/a Advantage Rent A Car for the approximate 165 square feet of office and counter space located in car rental space #4 and 17 parking spaces located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for three (3) years commencing on July 1, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2006.  Monthly rent shall be $5,064.00 or six percent (6%) of gross sales; whichever is greater; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-192.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-193  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease and restaurant concession

agreement with Carlos Bella d/b/a Villa Laredo Restaurant for approximately 1,116 square feet constituting suite number 101 on the first floor of the airport passenger terminal located at 5210 Bob Bullock Loop at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for five  (5) years commencing on July 1, 2003 and ending on June 30, 2008.  Monthly rent shall be $2,000.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-193.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:  7                                         Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

2003-O-194  Authorizing the City Manager to execute a lease with Webb County for

approximately 1,000 square feet constituting Building No. S-3 located at 1703 Sandman Street at the Laredo International Airport.  Lease term is for one (1) year commencing on May 1, 2003 and ending on April 30, 2004, and may be extended for two (2) terms of one (1) year each ending on April 30, 2005 and April 30, 2006.  However, it is agreed by the parties that the lease may be terminated by either party upon giving a ninety (90) day written notice for the party terminating to the other.  Monthly rent shall be $400.00 and will be adjusted annually according to changes in the Consumer  Price Index; providing for an effective date.

 

Motion to adopt Ordinance # 2003-O-194.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:    7                                       Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

X.        RESOLUTIONS

 

11.  2003-R-074   Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.0310 of an acre parcel of  land, more or less, from Juan Camacho and Carolina Camacho, as a Utility Easement, for the Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision Right-of-Way and Easement Acquisition Project.  Said parcel of land being out of Lot 5, Block 12, Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

              Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-074.

 

 

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:               7                   Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

12.  2003-R-075   Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.0275 of an acre

 parcel of land, more or less, from Jesus Ascencio, as a Utility Easement,  

 for the Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision Right-of-Way and Easement

 Acquisition Project.  Said parcel of land being out of Lot 3, Block 11,  

 Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

 Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-075.

 

 Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

 Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

 For:    7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

13.  2003-R-076   Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.0275 of an acre

 parcel of land, more or less, from Genaro Robles and Elidia Robles, as a  

 Utility Easement, for the Pueblo Nuevo  Subdivision Right-of-Way and  

 Easement Acquisition Project.  Said parcel of land being out of Lot 2,  

 Block 12, Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County,

 Texas.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-076.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

14.  2003-R-077  Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.1019 of an acre

parcel of land, more or less, from Felix De Leon, as a Utility Easement, for the Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision Right-of-Way and Easement Acquisition Project.  Said parcel of land being out of Lot 1, Block 18, Pueblo Nuevo Subdivision, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas; being generally described below, and more particularly described by metes and bounds on attached Exhibits “A & B”.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-077.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

15.  2003-R-079  Authorizing the City Manager to submit a grant application to the Office

of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division in the amount of $80,000.00 with the City designating $55,200.00 in matching funds for a total of $135,200.00 for funding a Domestic Violence Grant under the Violence against Women Act (VAWA) for the period of September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-079.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

16.  2003-R-080  Authorizing the City Manager to participate in a grant offered by the

Texas Automobile Theft Prevention Authority.  Whereby, the Texas Theft Prevention Authority will be designating $282,205.00, the City of Laredo will be designating $134,887.00 in matching funds, and Webb County will be designating $23,430.00 in matching funds for a total of $441,122.00.  This grant is from September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2004.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-080.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

17.  2003-R-081  Accepting a grant awarded from the Office of the Governor, Criminal

Justice Division in the amount of $1,142,115.00 to fund the Laredo Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be designating $1,142,115.00, the City of Laredo and participating agencies will be designating $354,778.00 in matching funds, for a total amount of $1,496,893.00, for a one year funding period program beginning July 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-081.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:      7                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

18.  2003-R-082  Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a 0.9183 of an acre, more

or less, parcel of land, from Home-Mart, Inc., a Texas Corporation, and 359 East Royal Land, L. C., and a Texas Limited Liability Company, for the construction of an elevated water storage tank at State Highway 359.  Said parcel of land being situated in Porcion 32, Abstract 296, and being out of Tract 7, Las Blancas Subdivion, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-082.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

   

 

 

 

19.  2003-R-083  Accepting the donation of the “Surface Only” of a ten-foot-wide utility

easement from Quicksilver Enterprises Ltd., a Texas Limited Partnership, for the construction of municipal water utility lines in the San Isidro-McPherson Subdivision, Phase IV.  Said ten-foot-wide utility easement consisting of: Waterline Easement No. 1 – a 2,273 square foot tract, Waterline Easement No. 2 – a 6,349 square foot tract, and Waterline Easement No. 3 – a 7,396 square foot tract, and being out of Lot 4, Block 1, San Isidro-McPherson Subdivision, Phase IV, City of Laredo, Webb County, Texas.   

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-083.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

20.  2003-R-084  Authorizing the City Manager to revise Resolution 2002-R-110 to submit

a grant with the Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division.  The Office of the Governor, Criminal Justice Division will be funding 90% of the Juvenile Accountability Incentive Block Grant and the City of Laredo will be designating 10% in matching funds.  Funding will be used to pay for the salaries and fringe benefits of an Administrative Assistant II and to purchase necessary supplies in support of the juvenile program.  (Approve before Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance #5)

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-084.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:      7                              Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

21.  2003-R-085  Resolving that the City Manager be authorized to execute a

Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement with the City of Laredo, as Landlord, ASA Group, Ltd., a Texas Limited Partnership and K Trading Group, LLC, General Partner, as Tenant, and International Bank of Commerce, as Mortgagee, thereby subordinating to the bank’s mortgage of the lease agreement for approximately 3.135 acres constituting Tract 6 of Block 1 and approximately 3.135 acres constituting Tract 7 of Block 1 of the Subdivision Plat of the Laredo International Airport Terminal Subdivision located at the Laredo International Airport that was authorized by Ordinance No. 2001-O-278 dated November 26, 2001.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-085.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

 

22.  2003-R-086 A resolution expressing official intent to reimburse cost associated with

constructing and improving the pedestrian way for Bridge of the Americas, Bridge No. 1, constructing Building E as entrance to pedestrian way, the overhead pedestrian way to the Administration building and the entrance to the toll bridge by pedestrians, together with necessary land acquisition.  (Approve before Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance #4)

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-086.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

23.  2003-R-087  A resolution expressing official intent to reimburse cost associated with

land acquisition and construction of a surface municipal parking lot in the downtown area.  (Approve before Public Hearing and Introductory Ordinance #3)

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-087.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

24.  2003-R-089  Supporting a site change for the erection of the Veteran’s Monument from

the Laredo Civic Center grounds to the Laredo National Bank located at the corner of Matamoros and Santa Ursula contingent on meeting legal requirements and compliance measures associated with public fund expenditures. 

 

Cm. Agredano clarified that Santa Ursula Avenue should be San Dario Avenue.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-089.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

25.  2003-R-090  Authorizing the City Manager to submit three (3) grant applications and to

accept three (3) Airport Improvement Program Grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the amount of $1,314,480.00 for the purpose of reconstructing a portion of the taxiway system and to make repairs and modifications to the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Building and to accept a second grant in the amount of $3,000,000.00 for the purpose of continuing implementation of Laredo’s FAR Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program, and to accept a third grant in an amount not yet determined, if offered, for the purpose of augmenting reconstruction of the taxiway system and acknowledging the availability of the City’s ten percent local matching funds.

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-090.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tem Galo

Second:  Cm. Amaya

For:     7                               Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

XI.       MOTIONS

 

26.  Consideration to reschedule the regular City Council meeting of September 1, 2003 to

September 2, 2003 due to the Labor Day holiday and to approve a Special City Council Meeting for September 22, 2003 for the adoption of the budget and tax rate.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Agredano

Second:  Cm. J. Valdez, Jr.

For:    5                                                     Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. and Cm. Amaya not present.

27.  Accepting the donation of a 31 foot 2 inch diameter water fountain from Mall del   

Norte.  Removal of fountain shall be completed under terms and conditions as agreed between the City of Laredo and Mall del Norte.  Relocation/installation of fountain shall be the Laredo International Airport grounds.  Both removal and installation shall be completed in-house by Public Works Department.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm. Ramirez

Second:  Cm. Agredano

For:    5                                              Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

28.  Consideration to authorize the installation of a speed hump on the 700 Block of

Seymour Avenue in accordance with the Speed Hump Installation Policy under the special provision for installation; project costs are estimated at $1,500.00; accident data was obtained indicating that a safety hazard does exist on that section of the roadway.  Funding will be made available from Capital Improvement Project-City Council District III.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

For:     5                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

29.  Consideration to exercise the renewal option for the professional services contract

FY01-135 between the City of Laredo and Deer Oaks Mental Health Associates for the employee assistance program and to authorize the City Manager to execute all contract documents.  Deer Oaks Mental Health  Services include family, grief, financial, substance abuse counseling and stress management for City employees.  It is estimated that the program will incur a cost of approximately $50,000.00.  Funding is available in the  Health Benefits budget of the Employee Health Division.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

For:     5                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

30.  Consideration to exercise the renewal option for the professional services contract

FY01-131 between the City of Laredo and Dr. A.G. Pellegrin, M.D., to perform drug and alcohol testing pursuant to the City’s Drug and Alcohol Policy and authorizing the City Manager to execute all documents.  The term of this contract shall be for a period of two years.  It is estimated that the Drug & Alcohol Program will incur an annual cost of approximately $50,000.00.  All services are requested on an as needed basis.  Funding is available in the health benefits budget of the Employee Health Division.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

For:     5                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

31.  Authorizing the City Manager to enter into an agreement (Memorandum of

Understanding) with the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (UTHSC-SA) for the purpose of establishing collaboration between the following entities in the City of Laredo:  the Fire and Health Departments and other entities as necessary, and the UTHSC-SA, specifically the School of Allied Health Sciences the Department of Emergency Medical Technology and the Center for Public Health Preparedness and Biomedical Research.  This MOU will enhance the   International Academy of Emergency Preparedness Activities already initiated in Laredo.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Agredano

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

For:     5                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

32.  Consideration for approval of a design/build consultant and authorization to negotiate a

professional services contract for the modifications to the City of Laredo Health Department located at 2600 Cedar Avenue.  Award of contract is contingent upon the availability of funds and upon the Texas Department of Health-WIC Division approval of the use of grant funds for this project.

 

Motion to approve and award contract to Modern Construction.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     5                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

33.  Consideration to award contract number FY03-092 to the low bidder meeting

specifications, Precision Delta Corporation, Ruleville, MS, in the amount of $49,125.00 for the purchase of duty and practice ammunition for the Police Department.  Bids were requested on the following ammunition types:  .45 ACP, 9mm, 40 caliber, 38 caliber, and 223 caliber.  The Police Department’s recommendation is based on a specific brand of ammunition.  Funding is available in the Police Department budget.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

34.  Consideration to award contract number FY03-106 to the low bidder, Pabco Industries,

Newark, NJ in the amount of $67,020.00 for the purchase of 1.5 million plastic bags for use in the City’s Recycling Program.  The bid pricing is same as the previous purchase amount.  Funding is available in the Solid Waste Fund.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

35.   Consideration to reject all bids FY03-091 received for the purchase and installation of

an acoustical ceiling at the Civic Center ballroom and authorize that new bids be solicited.  The bid pricing exceeded the budget estimate $25,000.00 and bids exceeding this threshold will require the contract vendor to provide performance bonds.  The bid specifications will be modified to include provisions for these bonds.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

36.  Consideration to award contract number FY03-094 to the sole bidder, Royal Treat Car

Wash, Laredo, Texas, in the estimated amount of $56,000.00, for furnishing car wash services for the City's automotive fleet.  Bids were requested on car wash service with and without inside vacuum.  All services are secured on an as needed basis.  The bid pricing increased approximately 50% from the previous contract period.  Funding is available in the Fleet Fund.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

37.  Consideration to reject all bids FY03-064 received for the purchase and installation of a

pneumatic tube system at International Bridge II and to include the project requirements for this type of system as part of the El Portal Project.  A pneumatic tube system will be needed at both International Bridge I and II to transport monies from the individual lanes to the main buildings.  It is the City’s desire to have the same system at both bridges that will be serviced and maintained by the same company.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Ramirez

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

38.  Consideration to authorize the City Manager to enter into a License Agreement on

behalf of the City of Laredo Convention and Visitors Bureau with the Laredo National Bank, a national banking association, for the exclusive license to the logo “Viva Laredo” in connection with the City’s advertising campaigns in the United States and Mexico.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

39.  Amending a contract with CH2MHILL, San Antonio, Texas, for $27,400.00 to include

additional basic engineering services and surveying services required to design the water line extension oversize and plat the booster pump station and ground storage tank site for Mines Planning Area - Work Order #2 and to extend the contract time to an additional 180 days. The amendment brings the total contract amount to $268,930.00 and the design completion date of October 15, 2003. Funding is available in the Colonias Project Engineering Fees.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

40.  Amending a contract with Crane Engineering, Corporation, Laredo, Texas, for

$30,306.00 to include additional basic engineering services and surveying services for the design of the over-sized water transmission line on Hwy 359. The amendment brings the total contract amount to $190,451.34. Funding is available in the Project Engineer Fees.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

41.  Awarding a construction contract to the lowest bidder, Peltier Brothers Construction,

Ltd., Houston, Texas, in the amount of $581,000.00 for the Lyon Street 6 MG Ground Storage Tank Repairs. The project consists of stabilization of ring foundation and floor of tank by polymeric compaction grouting, repair of floor-foundation and wall foundation joints to prevent leaking, and interior lining with rubber polymer membrane and elastomeric poly-urethane coatings. The construction time is 180 calendar days.  Funding is available in the Lyon Tank Improvements.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                             Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

XII.     EXECUTIVE SESSION

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into executive session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071(2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

 

42.  Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in

order to deliberate on the value of, and possible exchange of real property located in an around the Laredo International Airport, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with third persons; and return to open session for possible action.

 

Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in order to deliberate on the value of, and possible exchange of real property located in an around the Laredo International Airport, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the City Council in negotiations with third persons; and return to open session for possible action.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

After Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no formal action was taken.

 

Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with a public sale of a total of approximately 63.7157 acres located at the Laredo International Airport, with the minimum bid acceptable to the City being the appraised Fair Market Value of the property.

 

Moved:  Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Belmares

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain;  0

 

XIII.    RECESS AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL AND CONVENE AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD

 

            Motion to recess as the Laredo City Council and convene as the Laredo Mass Transit Board.

 

            Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

            Second:  Cm.  Amaya

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

43.  Consideration to authorize the purchase of three (3) 2003 Ford 150 Bi-Fuel CNG

pickups through the Houston Galveston Area Council of Governments (HGAC) Cooperative Purchasing Program in the total amount of $59,409.00.  Trucks will be CNG unleaded with air condition and trailer tow package.  Delivery is expected within 40 days.  Funding is available in the FTA Grant TX-90-499.

 

Motion to approve.

 

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

44.  Authorizing the City Manager to exercise an option to purchase five (5) buses (35ft

       CNG) in contract with National Bus Sales and Leasing, Inc.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

45.  To adopt the directive for the Para Transit Advisory Committee as an Ad-Hoc

Committee created to assist and advise the City Council and Laredo Transit Management, Inc. staff regarding transit services for persons with disabilities and the elderly and the implementation of Paratransit Eligibility and Certification Program.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                        Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

XIV.    RECESS AS THE LAREDO MASS TRANSIT BOARD AND RECONVENE AS THE LAREDO CITY COUNCIL

 

Motion to adjourn as the Laredo Mass Transit Board and reconvene as the Laredo City Council.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

XV.      ADJOURNMENT

 

      Motion to adjourn.

 

            Moved:

            Second:

            For:                                                      Against:                                    Abstain:

 

SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA

 

I.          PUBLIC HEARING

 

Public hearing and introductory ordinance amending the City of Laredo FY 2002-2003 annual budget by increasing expenditures and revenues by $5,859.00, from $111,336.00 to $117,195.00, from the Texas Department of health and Human Services Commission for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)  Outreach Program of the City of Laredo Health Department; and extending the contract period for one month beginning February 1, 2003 through September 30, 2003. 

 

Motion to open public hearing.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

There was no public input.

 

Motion to close the public hearing and introduce.

 

Moved:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

Second:  Cm.  Agredano

For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

Ordinance Introduction:  City Council

 

II.        GENERAL COUNCIL DISCUSSIONS AND PRESENTATIONS

 

            2.   Request by Council Member Gene Belmares

 

1.   Discussion with possible action regarding school zone traffic safety

preparedness. ( Co-sponsored by Council Member Eliseo Valdez, Jr.)

 

      Roberto Murillo, Traffic Director, reported that in regards to the striping, the department covers about 300 crosswalks every year.  He stated that the crews have completed about 80 % or 280 crosswalks at this time.  They will be completing the striping within the next two weeks before the school year begins.  In addition, they are programming the school flashing beacons throughout the city. 

 

      Cm. E. Valdez, Jr. inquired as to what type of coordination there is going to be between the Traffic Department and the police department to make the improvements that need to be made to relieve the traffic congestion at the Winfield subdivision. 

 

      Police Chief Agustin Dovalina reported that at the start of each school year he assigns motorcycle traffic officers to patrol the school areas at both peak hours.  He added that they will be advising all the officers assigned to those precincts that have schools to increase the patrols around the school zones. 

 

      Cm. Belmares inquired whether the City of Laredo’s Public Information Officer would be preparing any public service announcements.

 

      Blasita Lopez, Public Information Officer, stated that El Protector has traditionally handled the public service announcements in the past, but she is willing to assist with the project this year and ensure that this gets done.   

 

III.       RESOLUTIONS

 

            3.  2003-R-088  Recognizing the need to restore vital health care services now before a

critical service is eliminated for those who lack adequate health care and prevention services not only in Laredo but throughout Texas as well; the City of Laredo endorses the release of $702.6 million dollars that are available in Federal “Fiscal Relief Funds” to offset public health and health care budget reductions. 

 

Motion to approve Resolution # 2003-R-088.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  J.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                Against:  0                                Abstain:  0

 

IV.       MOTIONS

 

4.  Consideration for approval of change order no. 2 an increase of $27,480.00 to the

construction contract with Pete Gallegos Paving, Inc., Laredo, Texas, for Zacate Creek Linear Park Phases III, IV, & V Scope of Work I – Sidewalks for additional ramps needed to cross under Lafayette bridge and to add ten (10) working days to the construction contract time.  Funding is available in the Capital improvement Fund Zacate Creek Linear Park Sidewalks.

 

Motion to approve.

 

Moved:  Mayor Pro Tempore Galo

Second:  Cm.  Amaya

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

 V.       EXECUTIVE SESSION

           

The City Council hereby reserves the right to go into Executive Session at any time during this public meeting, if such is requested by the City Attorney or other legal counsel for the City, pursuant to his or her duty under Section 551.071 (2) of the Government Code, to consult privately with his or her client on an item on the agenda, or on a matter arising out of such item.

 

5.  Request for Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in

regards to deliberation of the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, know as the former Travel Information Center located at the intersection of IH 35 and Shiloh, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person, and return to open session for possible action.

 

Motion to go into Executive Session pursuant to Texas Government Code Section 551.072 in regards to deliberation of the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real property, know as the former Travel Information Center located at the intersection of IH 35 and Shiloh, because deliberation in an open meeting would have a detrimental effect on the position of the governmental body in negotiations with a third person, and return to open session for possible action.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  Galo

For:      7                                         Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

After the Executive Session, Mayor Flores announced that no formal action was taken.

 

Motion to authorize the City Manager to proceed with negotiations for the acquisition of the property known as the former Travel Information Center located at the intersection of IH35 and Shiloh.

 

Moved:  Cm.  Belmares

Second:  Cm.  E.  Valdez, Jr.

For:     7                                          Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

VI.       ADOURNMENT

 

            Motion to adjourn.                                                                                            Time:  8:54 p.m.

 

            Moved:  Cm.  Amaya

            Second:  Cm.  Belmares

            For:     7                                               Against:  0                                            Abstain:  0

 

I, Gustavo Guevara, Jr., City Secretary, do hereby certify that the above minutes contained in pages 01 to 31 and they are true, complete, and correct proceedings of the City Council meeting held on the 4th day of August, 2003.

 

 

                                                                        _____________________

                                                                        Gustavo Guevara, Jr.

                                                                                    City Secretary